Caprese Skewers

You don’t need an excuse of company coming over to serve Caprese Skewers With Pesto because you’re worth it! A simple homemade pesto dipping sauce with skewers of fresh basil, mozzarella and tomatoes, is the perfect indulgence when you unwind after a busy week. Pour yourself a glass of rose, kick up your feet, breathe in that warm summer air and indulge on Caprese Skewers With Pesto, the flavors of summer in every bite. 

A homemade pesto made with toasted almonds will delight your taste buds especially when you dip fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil leaves in that pesto. Oh my! Now that’s an explosion of flavors for sure. In just minutes you can treat yourself to this homemade pesto dipping sauce. Whirl it up in the blender and you’re all set.

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Origins of Pesto

Pesto is a sauce that originated in Italy. To be more specific, it originated in Genoa, the capital city of Liguria, a region of northern Italy. Pesto has always been prepared with basil, garlic and pine nuts blended with Parmesan cheese and olive oil. Traditionally, these ingredients are blended in a mortar with a pestle until a paste forms. When basil wasn’t in season marjoram and parsley were suggested as alternatives.

The Ligurian people are so proud of their Basil Pesto that in 2007 they organized an International World Championship to declare the best Pesto of the year.Even though pesto dates back to ancient times, the first time that a pesto recipe was actually published wasn’t until 1863 by Chef Giovanni Battista Ratto in his La Vera Cuciniero Genovese cookbook.

Pesto Recipes

Pesto doesn’t have to be made with basil. I’ve created several pesto recipes using other greens and they are divine! Fresh Mint Spring Pea Pesto bursting with fresh springtime flavors of spring peas and fresh mint will brighten up any pasta dish. Pesto Florentine, made from tender baby spinach leaves and toasted almonds, is a fabulous twist on the old time favorite. Kale Pesto is one of my all time favorite recipes. Kale Pesto combines the trendy super food kale with toasted almonds and a hint of lemon to make an amazingly delicious, healthy, easy pesto recipe! Toss any of these fabulous pestos with your favorite pasta for Meatless Monday, top chicken or fish, serve with vegetables……the possibilities are endless! 

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Caprese Skewers With Pesto

Prep Time

15 mins

 

Caprese Skewers With Pesto, a simple homemade pesto dipping sauce with skewers of fresh basil, mozzarella and tomatoes, is the perfect indulgence when you unwind after a busy week. 

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 8

Author: GG

Ingredients

Basil Pesto:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. lemon juice
• 2 cups basil leaves
• ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
• 2 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt

Caprese Skewers:

• 16 basil leaves
• 16 bocconcini, halved
• 8 grape tomatoes, halved crosswise
• 4- inch wooden skewers

Instructions

Basil Pesto:

1. Place olive oil, lemon juice, basil leaves, almonds, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and kosher salt in blender or food processor. If using a blender, be sure to put the olive oil and lemon juice in first for easy blending. Puree or process until blended.

Caprese Skewers:

1. Arrange basil leaf, half bocconcini, half tomato and half bocconcini on each skewer. Repeat to make 16 skewers.
2. Serve skewers with pesto dipping sauce or brush some of the pesto on skewers and serve with remaining dipping sauce.

Recipe Notes

Makes 8 servings. 2 skewers per serving.